I'm so thankful to God that I have the opportunity to write you all today! God is truly awesome and has been stretching me like no other this month. At RAM, My church family and I have gotten so much done at the close of this tremendous year that I'm honestly shocked. I was fortunate enough to be in charge of the 25 days of Christmas Canned Food Drive, to participate in the editing process of the Time & Again: a RAC documentary film project with Bro Miguel, and to join together with First lady and others to make the "Christmas Dinner Party" a success. I've also got the opportunity to join together with other ministries, such as DAC and Victory Worship, to play

'Time & Again' poster

bass for their Christmas events. On a personal level, God blessed this semester and allowed me to achieve an 'A' in my World Lit. class. I've also been blessed with wonderful friends and experiences. God has opened so many opportunities for me, for such, I am thankful.

I have been encouraged with my walk with Christ, for it has been a season of reaping for me. However, considering the vicissitudes of life, I can be assured that more pain is on its way. Being so, If my walk with Christ was dependent on my feelings and circumstances, I would surely turn away from Him during these soon-approaching trials. However, this not the case! One's walk with Christ isn't predicated on feelings, but on the Word of God. Furthermore, as the Bible says, "we that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak," (Romans 15:1) so while I am yet strong, at least for the moment, I'd like to encourage my brothers and sisters.

'Christmas Dinner Party' flyer

Right before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for the faith of His followers. Wow. How awesome is our God? Here's a small excerpt from this powerful prayer he rendered unto the Father.

John 17:15-1715 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

In other words, the Bible is our lifeline. To experience the freedom and victory of Jesus Christ, we must be sanctified daily by his Holy Word.

At any rate, Jesus prayed the prayer above for his disciple because He knew that the upcoming trial -- His death-- would cause them to faint in their faith. Likewise, God knows our weaknesses, and has prayed for us. It is not His will that we be overtaken by our problems, but that we draw close to Him and rely on His Saving Grace.

John 16:31-33 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

When you are down and out with your walk with Christ, remember He has overcome this world. You are His and not your own. He knows what's best for you. He knows you are weak. He knows you aren't perfect and that you do make mistakes. Allow Him to touch your heart. Allow Him to transform and renew your mind. Remember: God does not use perfect people; rather, He uses those whom are willing.